About the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse in Advanced Practice
PMH
APRNs are defined by the American Nurses Association
as registered nurses who are educationally prepared as clinical
nurse specialists (CNSs)and/or nurse practitioners (NPs) at least
at the master's degree level in the specialty of psychiatric-mental
health nursing and are board certified by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center (ANCC) as psychiatric-mental health clinical
nurse specialists, psychiatric nurse practitioners or both.
The graduate level preparation of these nurses is distinguished by a depth of
knowledge of theory and practice, validated experience in clinical practice,
and competence in advanced clinical nursing skills.
The PMH APRN focuses clinical practice on persons with diagnosed psychiatric
disorders, or those vulnerable individuals or populations at risk of mental health
disorders. The PMH APRN applies knowledge, skills and experience to complex psychiatric-mental
health problems and the promotion of mental health within our society.
These advanced practice psychiatric nurses collaborate with and refer to other
professionals as the patient's needs and each nurse's practice focus dictates.
In NC, both the PMH CNS and the PMH NP are qualified to offer psychotherapy services.
The PMH NP who practices under a contractual arrangement with a collaborating
physician also prescribes psychoactive medications.
Advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurses provide mental health services
in a wide range of delivery settings in both the public and private sectors and
are eligible for direct reimbursement through private insurers, HMOs, PPOs, Medicare
and Medicaid.
NCNA MISSION STATEMENT: The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.
